Mathura riot: Government transfers DM and SSP.

June 4, Mathura: The Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday night transferred the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Mathura district following the communal clash in Kosi Kalan town that claimed four lives. SSP Mathura Dharamveer has been transferred and now attached with Director General of Police (DGP), headquarters, as SP, an official spokesman said here. NR Padamja has been posted as the new SSP of Mathura, it is learnt.

Four persons were killed and 16 others injured in clashes, which broke out on Friday, reportedly after a pedestrian used water meant for some religious purpose. Principal Secretary, Home, RM Srivastava said the government had recently issued directives that if an effort was made to disturb communal harmony or if riots take place in any part of the state, then the police chief of the district would be held responsible and stern action would be taken against him.

According to a government spokesperson, Alok Tiwari has been appointed as the new DM and NR Padmaja is the new SSP of Mathura. No violence was reported on Monday.

Violence broke out last week in Kosi Kalan region of Mathura. While rioters went on rampage for more than eight hours, torching vehicles, business establishments and schools, firing at each other, the police failed to act on time, leading to escalation of violence.

The communal frenzy left four dead and tarred the image of the two-month-old Akhilesh Yadav government.

Chief minister Akhilesh Yadav during the first law and order review meeting held in Lucknow had it made clear that in case of communal flare-up, the district’s administrative and police chief will be held directly responsible for the situation. In case of Mathura, the government is said to be particularly unhappy over the failure of the district administration to respond to the crisis in time.